The illustrated World Cup 2014

The illustrated World Cup 2014

Illustrator David Squires created a collection of drawings after watching the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. 'As World Cups go, it was a good one, and more importantly, provided plenty of comic material (and that was just Brazil),' says David, whose complete series can be viewed here

David Squires

Wednesday 16 July 2014 05.44 EDT

The tournament got off to a great start. Spain provided some early entertainment, with a performance that rolled back the years and reminded us all of a time when they were amusing underachievers. They lost 5-1 to Holland, with Robin van Persie scoring the pick of the bunch with a remarkable diving header from distance.

England, meanwhile, did their standard thing of running around a lot to little effect, but found themselves in a tougher group than usual and went out. They played OK in their defeat to Italy, but the margin of defeat could have been greater, with Andrea Pirlo completely wrong-footing Joe Hart with a swerving free-kick that hit the bar.

England were undone in their second game by Luis Suárez, who later took a bite out of the Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini and was kicked out of the tournament. Uruguay coach, Óscar Tabárez launched the case for the defence.

One of the surprise packages of the World Cup has been Algeria. Dreadful in 2010, they turned up this time with more attacking intent and a large backing of boisterous fans. In the last round of matches of the group stage, they saw off Fabio Capello's Russia. He wasn't happy, but then again, is he ever?

Elsewhere, Mexico's flamboyant coach, Miguel Herrera, was giving us all a smile with his touchline antics. I noticed in their first game against Cameroon that he is one of those people who can do really loud whistles without using his fingers. There isn't much I wouldn't trade to be able to do that.

Holland scored two goals at the death to beat Mexico. The winner came via a penalty, after a foul (just about) on Robben. Mexico didn't take it well. To get this cartoon, you really need to have seen season episode 1 of Breaking Bad, when the cartel twins crawl to the shrine. Yep, the best jokes require both homework and lengthy explanations...

Colombia's goalscorer, James Rodriguez had been the target for most of Brazil's foul play, but it was he who pulled a goal back. As he ran back to the halfway line, cameras picked up that he had a disturbingly large insect sat on his arm.

Most people agreed that Germany were the best team and deserved to take home the cup. I'll sign off with this picture and see you all for some more cartoons in the new season. Congratulations, Deutschland!